Constantin Schumacher and Minaur Baia Mare have parted ways ahead of the 2025/26 Liga 3 season following their failure to secure promotion this summer. The coach, originally from Fălticeni, declined Minaur’s contract renewal offer and is poised to take the helm at another Liga 3 side, SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, which also missed promotion to Liga 2.
Schumacher took over Minaur Baia Mare in January 2025, replacing Marius Popescu. Under his leadership, Minaur topped the regular season in Seria 10 after 15 rounds and finished first in the regular season standings, edging SCM Zalău by two points. However, in the promotion play-offs, Minaur ended second behind SCM Zalău and was eliminated in the promotion semi-final by Poli Timișoara in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
The club officially announced Schumacher’s departure on July 7, expressing gratitude for his professionalism and dedication despite his relatively short tenure. The decision was reportedly influenced by personal reasons, including a lower salary offer for the new season and an attractive opportunity closer to Schumacher’s home at SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, where he is expected to replace Eugen Beza.
Beza, the outgoing SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea coach, has already returned to CSC Șelimbăr, taking charge of training sessions there from July 1. SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea is a well-established club in Liga 3 with a history of competing in Liga 2, currently rebuilding after financial issues.
Meanwhile, Minaur Baia Mare is reportedly in talks to appoint Flavius Sabău as their new head coach. Sabău, 41, recently left SCM Zalău after leading them in the final play-off stages and has previous experience managing several Liga 3 clubs. He was also considered by Minaur earlier this year before they chose Schumacher.
Schumacher’s departure marks another coaching shift in Liga 3, reflecting the competitive nature of promotion battles and the strategic moves clubs make to enhance their chances of ascending to Liga 2. The transitions also highlight the financial and personal considerations influencing coaching careers in Romanian football’s lower tiers.
*Insight:* Minaur Baia Mare’s decision to change coaches signals a fresh approach aimed at finally achieving promotion, while SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea’s acquisition of Schumacher could strengthen their bid to return to Liga 2.